Library Danbury

The Danbury Library, located in Danbury, Connecticut, is a public library that serves the city's residents and surrounding communities. The library has a rich history, dating back to 1879, when it was first established as a subscription-based library. Over the years, the library has undergone significant transformations, expanding its collections, services, and facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community.

History and Development

The Danbury Library has a long and storied history, with its roots in the late 19th century. The library’s first home was a small room in the Danbury City Hall, where it operated until 1904. In that year, the library moved to a new building on Main Street, which was made possible through a generous donation from Andrew Carnegie. The Carnegie Library, as it came to be known, served the community for over 50 years, until it was replaced by a new, larger facility in 1966.

Modern Facilities and Services

Today, the Danbury Library is housed in a modern, 65,000-square-foot building that offers a wide range of facilities and services. The library’s collection includes over 150,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, and databases. The library also offers a variety of programs and services, including author readings, book clubs, children’s storytime, and computer classes. The library’s facilities include a large meeting room, a computer lab, and a quiet study area, as well as a children’s room and a teen room.

The Danbury Library is also committed to providing access to technology and digital resources. The library offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, and a variety of online databases and resources, including language learning tools, test preparation materials, and career development resources. The library also participates in the Connecticut State Library's statewide library catalog, which allows patrons to borrow materials from libraries across the state.

Community Engagement and Outreach

The Danbury Library is deeply committed to engaging with the community and providing outreach services to underserved populations. The library offers a variety of programs and services designed to support early literacy, education, and workforce development. The library also partners with local organizations and agencies to provide services and resources to vulnerable populations, including immigrants, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The Danbury Library has established partnerships with a variety of local organizations and agencies, including the Danbury Public Schools, Western Connecticut State University, and the United Way of Western Connecticut. These partnerships enable the library to leverage resources, expertise, and funding to support community-based initiatives and programs. The library also participates in regional and statewide collaborations, including the Connecticut Library Consortium and the New England Library Association.

The Danbury Library's community engagement and outreach efforts have been recognized through various awards and grants, including the Connecticut Library Association's Library of the Year award and the Institute of Museum and Library Services' National Medal for Museum and Library Service.